Stress is something every person on this earth faces in their lives, whether it is due to work, school, or personal relationships. Now, there is also something that never crosses your mind: the link between stress and oral health. Remember, stress deeply impacts your oral hygiene.
Stress leads to several oral issues; some of the most important ones are teeth grinding, gum disease, and other related problems. In this blog, I will share how stress leads to various dental issues and how to protect your gums and teeth from the effects of stress by following some interesting yet impactful ways.
How Stress Affects Your Oral Health?
When it comes to oral health, it’s important to consider the impact of mental and physical stress on your wellness, especially on your teeth and gums. It causes increased dental plaque and cavities.
Other common oral issues include grinding and clenching of teeth, developing chronic gum disease, and mouth sores. If ignored, the results of stress on oral health can become more severe. Stress is connected to the following conditions;
Teeth Grinding and Bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is one of the most common stress-related dental concerns. Those with stress or anxiety often grind their teeth, especially during sleep. It can pose serious threats, like worn enamel, which results in increased sensitivity. Keep in mind that cracks and tooth loss can occur if the problem is not managed. Additionally, the grinding of teeth and constant pressure on the jaw can result in jaw pain and headaches.
Bruxism is mostly due to anxiety and stressful moments in time. Signs to look out for include headaches, soreness in the jaw, and teeth grinding or wearing down of teeth. If you detect these symptoms, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist. They recommend a nightguard to help protect your teeth.
Gum Disease
Stress and oral health, in particular, gum disease, have a considerable connection as well. Chronic stress can make it harder for your body to fend off infections, including those that target your gums. It is due to a weakened immune system. Gum disease or periodontal disease starts with gingivitis, which is the inflammation of the gums, and can advance to severe forms, such as periodontitis, if untreated.
When you are stressed, your body releases higher levels of cortisol, a hormone that can increase inflammation. This inflammation can contribute to gum disease, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, and even tooth loss in extreme cases. In addition, people under stress neglect their oral hygiene. As a result, the risk of gum disease increases.
Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers, or canker sores, are the most irritating and painful oral health issues related to stress. These sores form on the cheeks, lips, and even under the tongue, and they make eating and talking uncomfortable. Although ulcers can form due to many factors, stress is only one of the triggers because it weakens the immune system.
As a frequent ulcer sufferer, you should evaluate your personal life and stress factors that you can potentially manage and lower. Implementing relaxation exercises, meditation, or just talking to someone you trust can have a major impact on oral health, overall health, and well-being.
The Role of Cortisol in Oral Health
Cortisol, also called the stress hormone, explains the link between stress and oral health. If you are stressed, the level of cortisol in your body goes up. That can negatively affect your mouth. As you may recall, cortisol increases inflammation in the body. This can be more severe with gum disease and may also cause dry mouth, a condition where your mouth feels dehydrated and breathes badly.
Cortisol also interferes with your body’s ability to repair damage to the body, including the mouth. This means any oral infection or injury you have may take longer to heal if you are stressed. Eventually, this can lead to chronic oral health problems.
Dental and Mental Health
Oral health and stress are clearly connected, but what about mental health and dentistry?
The impact of stress on mental health can also influence your dental care. People feeling stressed or down may avoid proper oral care and resort to smoking, drinking a lot of alcohol, or eating more junk food or sugary food, which is bad for their teeth.
In addition, some medications prescribed for stress, anxiety, or depression may cause side effects of dry mouth or swollen gums. You must coordinate care with both your dentist and therapist to consider both your mental and oral health simultaneously.
How to Manage Stress for Better Oral Health?
If you are dealing with stress, here are some ways you can take care of your oral health at the same time:
Step 1: Practice Stress-Relieving Activities
Activities that include deep breathing, yoga, or even meditation are great at calming you down. Choose some calming activities that help reduce the production of the stress hormone, cortisol, because its presence is helpful for both your mental and oral health.
Step 2: Maintain a Healthy Oral Hygiene Routine
During stress, you may find it harder to stick to your oral care routine, but it is essential to brush and floss regularly. Sticking to a consistent oral care routine avoids gum disease and tooth decay, both of which can be made worse by stress.
Step 3: Get Regular Dental Checkups
Visit the dentist regularly. During checkups, the dentist can identify potential problems like gum disease or signs of teeth grinding. Dealing with these problems can save you from complicated treatments in the future.
Step 4: Consider Therapy or Counseling
If everyday stress is affecting your mental health, I advise you to see a professional. A therapist or counsellor can manage your stress in a healthy way and reduce its impact on your mental health.
Step 5: Use a Nightguard for Teeth Grinding
If you are a teeth grinder, wearing a mouth guard can stop the condition from affecting your teeth. A mouthguard is a great way to prevent tooth loss and jaw soreness from grinding.
Why Choose Bayou Braces?
Bayou Braces is one of the most reliable service providers in dentistry. Here, you can find a vast collection of expert dentists and orthodontists. We have many years of experience in brightening your smile and improving your oral health.
Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. So, we offer braces and Invisalign for all ages in Louisiana that are designed to minimize irritation. Make a first call for a free consultation and discuss your options.
Final Thoughts!
Stress is a part of life, so you should recognize how it can affect your oral health. From bruxism and gum disease to mouth ulcers and the impact of cortisol, stress-related dental problems can result in severe disorders. If you manage stress effectively and maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine, you can prevent many of these issues.
In case of any dental problems, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with your dentist. They will first identify the cause and then guide you on how to protect your teeth and gums. Take care of your mental and oral health today, book your dental appointment now, and protect your smile for the future.
